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2024 Year in Review: Top Posts on School Bus Fleet

What were the most popular student transportation stories of 2024? From legislative action updates to how-to articles on technology usage, special needs best practices, and spotlights on inspirational leaders, we thank you for reading these.

December 23, 2024
2024 Year in Review: Top Posts on School Bus Fleet

From legislative updates to tech tips, special needs best practices, and inspiring leader profiles, these were the highlights you loved most.

Photo: SBF/Canva

5 min to read


It's our annual best of the web. SBF wrapped, so to speak (Spotify users, IYKYK).

We took a look at our Google Analytics and compiled this list of the posts that you, SBF readers, read more than anything else this year.

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Let's review the biggest stories of 2024, together! 

Top 10 Articles of the Year

1. Trailblazers 2024: Shaping the Future of School Transportation

Meet the next generation of school transportation leaders in School Bus Fleet's second annual selection of professionals under the age of 40.

2. New York Electric School Bus Mandate Blowing Fuses?

Empire State politicians and school district leaders are among those pushing back against the plan to phase out fossil-fuel school buses in the next decade.

3. Effective Evacuation Plans for Special-Needs Students

Discover essential strategies for evacuating special-needs students from school buses to enhance student safety.

4. MANAGING THE MILES: Telematics and School Bus Fuel Efficiency

These solutions can help school districts master data that drive cost savings in their fuel tanks.

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5. Driver Dilemma? How to Attract Younger Generations to the Yellow Bus

Unlock the secrets to recruiting and retaining Gen Z and Millennial school bus drivers with insights from drivers on culture, flexibility, marketing, and beyond.

6. 5 Questions: 60-Year School Bus Veteran Norman Mars Reflects on Career

School bus veteran says job is all about safety and delivering students. 

7. Special Equipment on a Special-Needs Transportation School Bus

Technology can transform the daily bus ride for special-needs students into a safe and inclusive experience.

8. Breaking Down Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Costs

What pupil transportation departments and contractors should expect to pay when installing infrastructure for propane, renewable diesel, biodiesel, CNG, or EVs.

9. Celebrating Women's Impact in School Transportation: Personal Stories Highlighting Professional Success

Delve into the remarkable journeys of four women shaping school transportation through their stories, innovation, leadership, and community support.

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10. NSTA's School Bus Driver International Safety Competition Returns

School bus drivers from across the country showed their skills at the 50th edition of the competition in Texas. See who took home top honors.

Top News Stories of the Year

1. Tennessee Bus Drivers Roll in Remembrance of Aleita Gladson

More than 100 school buses participated in a memorial procession honoring a Hawkins County Schools driver who died after a pickup truck crossed into her lane and struck her bus.

2. DEA May Reclassify Marijuana in Historic Move

Some administrative hurdles remain, but the shift could result in marijuana's acceptance as a Schedule III drug and might bring changes to federal drug-testing laws. 

3. REV Group Sells Collins Bus, Winding Down Transit Operations

REV Group departs the school bus and transit bus market with its sale of Collins Bus and wind-down of ElDorado National-California.

4. New Safety Standards Proposed for Electric School Buses

The NHTSA proposes FMVSS No. 305a, upgrading electric vehicle safety regulations, including heavy vehicles like school buses.

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5. A Decade of Data: U.S. School Bus Crash Statistics Unveiled

Despite the grim statistic of over 100 deaths a year, school bus crashes are on the decline, historical report shows.

6. Tools to Help Prepare You for National School Bus Safety Week

Resources you can use to create a campaign encouraging students, parents, and motorists in your area to keep school bus safety at the forefront.

7. Could FMCSA Proposal Make CDL Process More Flexible?

Among other things, the proposed rulemaking would allow a permit holder who passes the skills test to operate on public roads without a qualified CDL driver in a passenger seat.

8. Report: Nearly $3 Billion Allocated for Clean School Buses Over Two Years

Analyzing the demand for electric and zero-emissions school buses. Plus, a look back at just how many clean school buses the program has funded.

9. Forest River Bus Acquires Trans Tech Bus

This is the second Type A school bus manufacturer — after Collins Bus — taken over by Forest River this year.

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10. Thomas Built Rolls Out Saf-T-Liner HDX2

The HDX2’s integration of common parts streamlines service, reducing the complexity of maintaining mixed fleets with fewer service parts.

Top-Viewed Videos

1. Electric Opportunities in School Transportation

Wes Platt discusses the possible reclassification of marijuana, proposed changes to EV school bus safety standards, and other news, plus, an interview with Vinny Riscica, senior project manager for clean transportation at NYSERDA! Episode sponsor: Thomas Built Buses.

2. Rolling Remembrance

Wes Platt discusses a memorial bus ride in remembrance of a Tennessee school bus driver. Plus, an interview with Alfred Karam of Shenendehowah (N.Y.) Central Schools. 

3. The Road Ahead for Thomas Built Buses

Wes Platt talks with Kevin Bangston, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses, about the manufacturer's plans and opportunities. Episode sponsor: Thomas Built Buses.

Photo Gallery of the Year

School Bus Fleet's 2024 Photo Contest

Winning entries in the 20th edition of School Bus Fleet's Photo Contest were selected from dozens of entries by SBF staff.

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Most-Read Blog

Trip Sheet: Meeting a Hero in My Own Back Yard

I remain impressed by the matter-of-fact heroism that’s often demonstrated by school bus drivers like Deona Washington who are caught in situations where the best of us might lose our cool and panic. But, then again, bus drivers are a unique breed.

Be sure to sign up for our enewsletter to stay updated on the latest school bus news and trends.

What else do you want to see from us in 2025? What topics matter to you? Please don't hesitate to send in your hot takes, news tips, feedback, and suggestions. Email SBF Executive Editor Amanda Huggett at amanda.huggett@bobit.com to connect.

From the bottom of our yellow hearts, thank you for reading! 

Ya'll come back now, ya hear?

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